Skype for Web Private Beta Testing Begins

Posted on March 26, 2015

Skype is available on pretty much every single platform out there, including desktops and smartphones, but Microsoft still had one single thing to do in order to make sure that everyone would be able to use it no matter where they are: make the app available from a browser.

Skype for Web is now available for invited users, as the program kicked off today as part of a private beta program, so a number of Microsoft users can already give it a try.

Redmond hasn’t provided any details on when exactly Skype for Web could become available to more users, but given the fact that the private beta started today, expect invites to take over the Internet in just a few days.

What’s the difference between the traditional Skype client and Skype for Web? In essence, the two versions of the VoIP app are very similar and you won’t feel any difference if you use Skype just to talk to your significant other when you’re away from home.

The browser version of the service allows you to chat through text messages or send and receive voice/video calls just like the desktop client does, but it misses more advanced functionality, such as group video calls, for now.

Obviously, this is still a very early version of Skype for Web, so expect more features and new options to be added in the coming months. For now, your main concern should be getting your hands on an invite.